Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 56

Back to Reality

Around 3:00 in the morning, Aen looked out the window as the private plane safely landed back at Incheon Airport.

The tarmac was bathed in the eerie blue and white glow of the runway lights, and the terminal looked like a silent giant against the dark sky.

Even at this hour, the news of their arrival had traveled faster than the plane itself.

The staff had informed them that several news reporters were already waiting at the main entrance.

To avoid the media, Yoongi decided they would leave via the VIP back exit again.

As soon as they were on the highway, Yoongi sighed deeply, his eyes full of concern.

"You probably should avoid watching the news or checking social media for awhile."

"Oh. Are we the hot topic in Korea right now?" Aen asked.

Yoongi nodded grimly.

"I see."

"I'll take you to work later."

"Yoon..."

"I'm really worried, Jagi" he interrupted, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. 

"What if reporters try to ambush you on your way to work?"

"Well... I'll try to avoid them. So stop worrying so much."

Aen said, reaching over to rest her hand on top of his on the center console.

​Yoongi didn't take his eyes off the road, but he immediately flipped his hand over to intertwine his fingers with hers, gripping her palm tightly.

Even with his attention on the highway, the tension in his jaw remained visible.

"I can't. How can I not worry about you? You are my everything Aen-ah and I don't want you to get hurt."

He glanced at her in the dim light of the car's dashboard.

In the Philippines, he was just her partner, but here, he was a shield.

He knew the moment they stepped off that plane, the target on her back grew tenfold, and he was determined to stand in the way of every arrow.

Aen smiled at Yoongi.

"Alright... you win. You can take me to work if that will ease your mind."

Yoongi smiled back, the tension in his shoulders finally dropping.

"It will, Jagi. Now, rest up for a bit."

He reached over at the next stop, gently adjusting the recline of her seat so she could lean back comfortably.

"Close your eyes," he murmured, his voice a low, soothing hum over the quiet purr of the engine.

"I’ve got you."

​Aen nodded, her eyes already heavy with exhaustion.

She leaned her head against the headrest, her gaze drifting to Yoongi’s steady profile until sleep finally pulled her under.

​They both remained in a peaceful silence—Aen napping deeply while Yoongi focused on the road—for the remaining forty minutes until they arrived at her apartment complex.

As he pulled into the driveway, Yoongi scanned the area with a sharp, practiced eye, searching for any suspicious vans or the glint of a camera lens lurking in the shadows.